GADSDEN, Alabama -- The Gadsden City Council today agreed to buy 9.3 acres of land near the Coosa River for $2.6 million in what city officials said they hope will jump start development in the area.

The land, which encompasses a former K Mart location in East Gadsden, adjoins 4.2 acres the city already owns, and a little more than 9 acres owned by Alabama Power. It also sits near the Ronnie Watkins Ford dealership.

View full sizeAn aerial view of the Gadsden riverfront shows the K Mart property purchased by the City of Gadsden, highlighted by the border. (City of Gadsden)

Earlier this year, the city hired a Decatur firm to design Coosa River Park on the land owned by the city and Alabama Power, as part of a lease agreement. The park is planned to include a walking track, boardwalk and picnic
areas, along with space for fishing.

City officials said once conceptual drawings for the park are completed, the city will look at development prospects for all the property, which includes 13.5 acres the city owns in the area.

In all, about 25 acres make up the project site.

City officials said they hope the project will serve as "a catalyst" for development of the riverfront and redevelopment of the Wallace Drive area in East Gadsden.